By Alex Abutu
Nigeria is 62 years old as a sovereign nation. The nation has come a long way and while it has faced many trials and tribulations, it remains indivisible and the people have continued to wax stronger in all spheres of life.
In the last few days, all media platforms have been awash with tales about Nigeria. Some writers have described it as a failed state, others have said it has lost hope and bearing, while some have gone to the extent of saying the best step for the country is to divide into smaller entities.
All the writers are right and have expressed their views depending on what they are feeling, hearing or seeing. So, what else is there to write about my beloved nation at 62.
Nigeria’s challenges are numerous just like its population. Ranging from bad governance, corruption, stealing, kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism and cheating to whatever crime you can think of, it is practiced in Nigeria.
Does a 62-year-old man have any hope of rising again or making it, as we say in Nigeria? Can such a man recover all his wasted years? Can he attempt to start life all over again? Or what else is still there for him? These are the many questions that come to mind as I reflect on the celebration of our 62nd independence anniversary.
But I am consoled by a saying which goes thus: Do not allow your present circumstances to judge or define who you are. Because if you do, you will lose your sense of reasoning and focus. We should be hopeful for better days ahead.
80 percent of our challenges today are caused by our fellow human beings either in or outside the shores of the country. From Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping, corruption to recklessness with public funds and offices.
All over the globe, Nigerians are setting new records in all spheres of human endeavor but back at home, we are known for what we are not and that is why as citizens we should not let our today judge or determine our tomorrow.
The spate of insecurity has reached the highest level since our independence in 1960, hunger, fear, inflation, and other indices have reached a point where our future as a nation is under threat but like the religious will say, there is hope for the living.
As we aspire to a better Nigeria, it is therefore incumbent on us to adapt some ways of living that will leapfrog us to where we intend to be. I remember while growing up there was something called development plans, where are those plans?
One thing that those judging Nigeria have failed to do is to provide her with advise on how to right the thousands of wrongs that have impeded her development and encourage her to catch up with countries which she attained independence at the same time with.
I believe Nigeria can still bounce back if we are able to fix our leadership challenges. Nigerians are very law abiding and respectful outside the shores of the country. At Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom, you see our distinguished Senators, Ministers and other political leaders on line following instructions on check-in modalities and complying with every directive but as soon as the plane lands in Abuja, those humble people you just saw in London will transform into above-the-law-guys who cannot follow laid down protocols.
Our law enforcement agents are not helping matters. How do you deliberately make people break the laws so you can persecute them? Most of the law enforcement agents at the port of entry into Nigeria are a huge disappointment. The way some brazenly beg for money makes you wonder if they work for free, not even a waiter in a London bar can ask like that.
We also take pleasure in seeing our children, brothers and sisters suffer. Otherwise, how do you justify the situation at the international wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, with staff from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) holding nearly one thousand passengers to ransom for not filling COVID forms even when they have certification full vaccination. Or how do you explain the luggage situation that over 300 passengers on Ethiopian Airline face on arriving Abuja, where the conveyor belt is not functional? It is not only embarrassing but shameful.
No foreigner can come and develop this country for us. Our leaders owe us the duty of putting in place systems that can run irrespective of who is in charge. These systems must ensure protection of lives and property, and guarantee equal rights and justice for all.
The adage that one must learn to carry their cross has set the stage for what is next for Nigeria. So, arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey, we must serve our fatherland with love and strength and faith. The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain. To serve with heart and might one nation bound in freedom, peace, and unity.
